Joe Nation is a mountain bike racer who’s done things differently. Joe set off from New Zealand on an overseas adventure to race the World Cups, which involved spending the season living in the woods in Morzine on a budget of 1.5 Euro a day. After heading back home to go to uni, Joe discovered enduro and straight away was hooked. Ultimately picking up a ride with a pro-team, his path has not been straight forward. We chat about Joe’s approach to racing and how that’s changed over the years. Hear how Joe made the move to enduro and what it’s been like riding for Pole. Joe’s story shows what can be done if you’ve got the drive and determination and aren’t afraid to rough it a little. So sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Joe Nation.

You can follow Joe on Instagram @joenation1.

Supporting Partners

Cotic

I've been riding and loving Cotic for a long time, but they aren't just great bikes, they are a great company too. Cotic really are focussed on doing what they can for our sport and our planet. They have made me feel like part of the family and they take that same approach with all their customers.

That customer focus has been really clear during the pandemic. With parts in short supply, Cotic will do everything they can to help you. They offer rolling chassis builds so you can swap over good parts that you have on your current bike. You can even send them parts you’ve sourced and they will build them onto your new bike for you. It really is your bike, built for you. Give them a call and you’ll get to speak to an actual human who will help you through the process of getting your dream build ready to go. The UK manufacturing of their suspension bikes also means that they often have stock when others don’t.

You can check out all that they have to offer by heading over to cotic.co.uk 

Strength Factory

January is a month where tonnes of people are thinking about being fitter, getting leaner, and getting quicker on their bike as a result. Unfortunately, most people bite off more than they can chew and don’t stick with it. But with the Strength Factory’s Over 40s MTB programme it’s not some crazy plan that promises abs in two weeks, this is an achievable 20-week plan for everyone. Designed to fit around the ups and downs that life throws at us, so that you can stick at it, be consistent and see and feel yourself improve.

The programme is written so that you can do it in a gym, but you can also do it at home with just a few resistance bands, so whatever life or covid gives us in 2022, you can keep going and be in the best possible condition when the dry trails return.

If you've got a bit more time and energy and want more, then they've got you covered with their Complete MTB programme.

So if you want to be better this year, then head over to thestrengthfactory.uk now and check it out

Podcast Stuff

Downtime EP

Downtime EP issue 1 is now available at downtimepodcast.com/ep. EP takes inspiration from the guests and topics of the podcast, expands on them, and takes them into a stunning print-only format. EP is the perfect companion for some quiet time away from the distractions of modern life. Beautiful to have and hold, and a timeless piece of mountain bike history.

Just head over to downtimepodcast.com/ep and you’ll be able to save yourself £5 off of the cover price with an annual subscription for just £20 plus postage.

Merch

If you want to support the podcast, and represent, then my webstore is the place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that's using renewable energy. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop.

Follow Us

Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments.

For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast.